KU extends apparel contract with adidas

The school on Thursday announced a six-year extension of its apparel contract with adidas. The sponsorship and product-allowance agreement, which runs through 2019, is valued at $26 million.

"We have been extremely pleased with our partnership with adidas," KU athletic director Sheahon Zenger said. "Adidas promised quality and dedication to service — to all our teams — and they have delivered what they promised. The fact that adidas eagerly sought to extend our partnership clearly demonstrates to us their continued understanding of the tremendous value of the entire Kansas Athletics program."

Nike possesses the largest market share of any college sports outfitter, though adidas has attracted attention in recent years for its colorful, camouflage uniforms. Fifty-two of the 68 teams in last year's NCAA Tournament were sponsored by Nike, according to the Sports Business Journal, while KU was one of 13 sponsored by adidas.

The effect of brand loyalty in basketball recruiting has been debated — Nike also outfits many top AAU teams — but the Jayhawks have experienced no shortage of basketball success since signing with adidas in 2005. KU has a national championship, two Final Fours and eight Big 12 titles in that span, plus two Sweet 16 appearances in women's basketball.

The most visible aspect of KU's partnership with adidas involves the alternate uniforms unveiled for selected games. Last year KU wore solid blue uniforms for a game at West Virginia and white camouflage uniforms for a game in the Big 12 Tournament, both of which received mixed reviews. Adidas also designed solid black jerseys worn by the KU football team on senior night.

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